MOBILE, Alabama -- State Rep. Yvonne Kennedy, who was first elected to the state
House more than three decades ago and was the president of Bishop State
Community College for 25 years, died this morning following a brief illness.

Kennedy, a Democrat from Mobile who represented the 97th
district in Mobile County, died at UAB Hospital in Birmingham surrounded by
family. She was 67.

"She was a fine lady who represented her district well," Alabama
Gov. Robert Bentley, who served with Kennedy in the state House and who once
worked with her on the House Education Appropriations Committee, said. "She
will be greatly missed."

Kennedy was first elected to the House in 1979, and rarely
faced any competition holding onto a seat that has long been a Democratic stronghold.

"She was a good person, a good friend and we're going to
miss her," state Rep. James Buskey, D-Mobile, said.

Kennedy spent most of her legislative tenure while simultaneously presiding over Bishop State Community College as its second permanent
president. She was appointed in September 1981, about three months after
Sanford D. Bishop Sr. died.

"She really brought the college to where it is now," the
college's current president, James Lowe, said. "When she was the president, the
facilities were not nearly as (appealing) as they are now. She really grew the
institution over the last 25 years."

Part of that growth included her presiding over the
consolidation of Southwest State Technical College and Carver State Technical
College into Bishop State in 1991. She also oversaw further expansion in 1995, with the opening of the Baker-Gaines
Central site, formerly the historic Central High School.

She retired as president in 2006, amid a financial scandal
at the college.

Lowe said Kennedy had kept in frequent contact with him and
the Bishop State community following her exit. The Alabama House in May approved a resolution to name one of the college's buildings, the "Dr. Yvonne Kennedy Business Technology Center."

"There
were many instances where she had assisted us from a legislative standpoint
where we needed input," Lowe said. "I'd call her from time to time. She was very
amenable to me and also Bishop State."

Alabama
House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, praised Kennedy's work in education. The
two worked together for 14 years on both the Education Policy and Education
Ways and Means committees. Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, said Kennedy was "a respected colleague and a tireless advocate" for education in Alabama.

"She
enthusiastically served her constituents for 33 years and will be deeply
missed," Hubbard said.

Kennedy
was a past chair of the Alabama Legislative Black Caucus, national president of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and was active with her church.

"I will always remember her as a woman of great intelligence,
grace and dignity," state Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, said. She said she was "shocked and saddened" to hear of Kennedy's passing. "She exemplified
power, strength and humility all at once. ... I truly cannot imagine the Alabama
State Legislature without her. I will most certainly miss her."

Mobile Mayor Sam Jones said Kennedy was a "pillar" of the community.

"It's
a serious loss for Mobile," he said. "She was one of our most effective leaders and made
so many contributions over the years."

It's unknown when a replacement to Kennedy's seat will be made. Bentley is expected to call a special election to fill her seat in the coming week.